Monica Krenner and her husband Peter were on the verge of booking flights to Sardinia, Italy, for what would have been their young son Lewis's very first holiday. However, as temperatures soared, the apprehensive couple decided against braving the 39-degree heat with a three-year-old, opting for a last-minute change of plans. Having already endured the relentless London heatwaves throughout the summer, Monica simply couldn't stomach the prospect of even more scorching temperatures overseas.
Monica, 57, told the Mirror: "It was the best decision we made." Rather than rushing to the airport, the family embarked on a five-and-a-half-hour drive from London to St Ives, Cornwall, back in June, where the comparatively pleasant temperatures of between 16 and 24 degrees proved far more enticing.
Why the family chose Cornwall over Sardinia
Nutritionist Monica explained how she arrived at her decision after consulting friends and clients from Sardinia, which left her increasingly concerned about just how intense the heat on the stunning Italian island would become. "After talking with a lot of people, searching all the weather apps, I then said, 'I cannot imagine going there, because then we have to be indoors the whole day, because it will be too hot to go outside'," she said.
"And for the little one, the skin is very sensitive still. He's also not an amazing sleeper yet. Then I thought, 'Oh my God, if it's then hot on top because the weather, and he's not sleeping great, I'm already tired when I'm getting there, it won't be better when we stay somewhere where it's too hot this summer'."
A relaxed break with sea breezes and family time
Upon arriving in Cornwall, Monica, Peter and Lewis were able to rest peacefully at night following days spent strolling in the crisp air and discovering the stunning Cornish coast. It marked young Lewis's debut visit to the seaside, and while Monica joked that "the seagulls didn't make it easy", it turned out to be an incredibly special, unforgettable getaway.
Monica, who hails from Vienna, Austria, explains: "It was just relaxed, and in the evening, there was a nice breeze in your face. It felt like you could really breathe properly. We had a few drizzles, but even that was perfect. We had a very nice spacious room, so even if we didn't want to rush out, we could stay inside and have the windows open looking at the ocean. It was just lovely."
'Coolcations' on the rise across the UK
Monica reveals that the break "completely changed" how the family now view their summer getaways. Moving ahead, they're considerably more keen on investigating different possibilities, "rather than chasing guaranteed sunshine." Next year, the family plan to embark on another 'coolcation', and preparations are already under way. Monica and Peter are currently considering trips to the coastlines of Denmark or Sweden, while picturesque Scotland is also high on their list.
The couple are far from alone in seeking a refreshing escape. During the late June heatwave, Brits' searches for cool-weather city breaks rocketed by as much as 33 per cent compared to the previous week, according to online travel agent Opodo. Stockholm, Geneva and Gothenburg proved the most sought-after destinations - a far cry from sun-drenched Spain or Italy.
Heatwaves drive demand for cooler getaways
With four heatwaves already hitting the UK this summer, many holidaymakers are yearning for gentle breezes rather than scorching sunshine. Could it be that 'coolcations' are becoming the ultimate luxury in our era of climate change? With the August Bank Holiday weekend fast approaching, Airbnb has revealed that several UK destinations are experiencing a surge in popularity this summer, with bookings in Scarborough climbing by 30 per cent.
The stunning Dumfries and Galloway region in Scotland, which has witnessed bookings leap by 29 per cent, has established itself as one of this summer's most coveted 'coolcation' hotspots, boasting invigorating sea breezes and tranquil forest walks.
As for Monica, she's observed this shift within her own social circle and believes it makes complete sense, particularly for parents of young children seeking a more relaxed holiday experience. She elaborates: "People are looking for some cooler areas where they can breathe and enjoy being outside, not to cover up with 10,000 creams, and also with the little ones, not to cause them any sunburn."
